Did you ever feel the need to connect your laptop to the TV? Yes!
Do you know how to connect your laptop/PC to your TV? No!
Don’t worry, this post will provide you step by step guide on how to connect a laptop to the TV so you can access your huge library of content on the big screen.
By connecting your laptop to your TV, you can stream your favorite movies and videos from online streaming services like YouTube, and Netflix, as well as enjoy any content stored on your laptop. You can browse the web, connect with your friends on social media, play games, or edit a document on the big screen.
Seems exciting!
Follow this ultimate guide to connect your laptop to your TV.
1. HDMI Connection
Connecting a PC or laptop to a TV using an HDMI cable is very easy and all you need is an HDMI cable. HDMI cables are quite cheap and are easily available both online and in local markets. An HDMI connection also provides high-quality HD pictures and sound. Unlike VGA cable which requires a separate cable for audio, HDMI cable transfers both audio and video.
Click here to read: How to Use Your TV as a Monitor?
How to Connect a Laptop to a TV Using HDMI?
- Connect one end of your HDMI cable (male to male) to your PC or laptop and the other end to one of the HDMI ports on your TV. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports then do note the port number you plug it into.
- Using the buttons on the TV or remote control, change the input of the TV by selecting the appropriate HDMI port. Some TVs may also detect the connected laptop or PC automatically.
- Right-click on the desktop of your laptop or PC and select Display Settings.
- In the display settings menu, click on ‘Detect’ to search for the connected TV. If the display settings window is already showing two squares, labeled 1 and 2, then your PC or laptop has already detected your TV.
- Select any one option out of the four options in the “Multiple displays” drop-down box. Pick the option that is right for you and fits your requirement. The options are:
- Duplicate these displays. This will show the same screen on both your laptop/PC and TV.
- Extend these displays. This will make your TV an extended part of your desktop.
- Show only on 1. This option will turn off the screen of display number 2.
- Show only on 2. This option will turn off the screen of display number 1.
- Click Apply. Your laptop should now be connected to your TV.
Click on the respective display numbered square and select ‘Advanced Display Settings’ to further customize each display.
2. VGA Connection
VGA (Video Graphics Array) port contains 15 pins with 5 pins each in 3 rows. This is the same port that is used to connect monitors to your PCs. The image given below shows the VGA port in TV and Laptop.
You should only use a VGA connection if one or both of your TV or laptop does not have an HDMI port. Most of the latest TVs and laptops no longer support VGA ports. If you have bought your laptop a few years ago then you will find this option.
VGA transmits or transfers the only video, for audio you will have to use a separate 3.5mm audio cable. Connect the 3.5mm Aux cable from the headphone out socket of your laptop to the audio-in port of your TV.
How to Connect a Laptop to a TV Using VGA Cable?
- Connect one end of your VGA cable to the VGA port on your PC or laptop and the other end to the VGA or ‘PC IN’ port on your TV.
- Now connect one end of the 3.5mm audio cable (male to male) to the headphone jack on your laptop and the other end to the audio-in port on the TV.
- Using the buttons on the TV or remote control, change the input of the TV by selecting ‘PC’ or ‘Computer’ as the input. Some TVs may also detect the connected laptop or PC automatically.
- Right-click on the desktop of your laptop or PC and select Display Settings.
- In the display settings menu, click on ‘Detect’ to search for the connected TV. If the display settings window is already showing two squares, labeled 1 and 2, then your PC or laptop has already detected your TV.
- Select any one option out of the four options in the “Multiple displays” drop-down box. Pick the option that is right for you and fits your requirement. The options are:
- Duplicate these displays. This will show the same screen on both your laptop/PC and TV.
- Extend these displays. This will make your TV an extended part of your desktop.
- Show only on 1. This option will turn off the screen of display number 2.
- Show only on 2. This option will turn off the screen of display number 1.
- Click Apply. Your laptop should now be connected to your TV.
Click on the respective display numbered square and select ‘Advanced Display Settings’ to further customize each display.
3. Wirelessly Connect a Laptop to a TV
For Smart TVs with Built-in Wi-Fi
1. Check if your TV features built-in Wi-Fi before you continue. If yes, then continue to step 2.
2. Enable Wi-Fi mode on the TV. Read the instruction manual of your TV if you are not familiar with how to do so.
3. Connect the TV to your Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi network must be the same as the Wi-Fi network that your PC or laptop is connected to.
4. Right-click on the desktop of your PC or laptop and select Display settings.
5. Under “Multiple displays”, click on ‘Connect to a wireless display’. This will search for all available wireless displays, and select your TV from the list. Your PC or laptop will automatically connect to your TV.
For TVs without Wi-Fi
If your TV does not come with built-in Wi-Fi then you will have to use an external device like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick to connect your PC or laptop to your TV.
Once you have set up your Amazon Fire TV Stick then simply follow Steps 3 -5 above to connect your PC or laptop to your TV.
If you are using Google Chromecast then simply open the Google Chrome browser on your PC or laptop. Click on the Chrome Menu icon ( ) in the top right corner and then click on ‘Cast’. This opens a small pop-up window with a drop-down at the top. Select ‘Cast desktop’ and choose the TV with Chromecast from the list. Select ‘Share’ to begin sharing your PC or laptop screen on the TV.
Final Thoughts
These are the top 3 best ways to connect the laptop to a TV. Did you ever connect your laptop or PC to your Smart TV? Share